THE RECLUSIVE ARTHUR FINCH reads like an Alfred Hitchcock film in which a rather ordinary man finds himself in an extraordinary situation. There’s also a film noir detective sense of style to the storytelling. There’s well crafted dark-humor interwoven throughout the script. The plot features a highly refined tangled web of deception, false identities, blackmail, forbidden romance, and mistaken murder. The goal is clear and the stakes are high. There’s no doubt that this skillfully crafted plot is driven by the distinguished and complex protagonist Walcott aka Finch. It’s amusing to watch his “unplanned” plan begin to unravel and spiral out of control. Thus, overall, the script is worthy of consideration. Even in every good script, there are areas to re-examine for revisions and polishing. The opening VO immediately grabs the attention of the audience: “I didn’t plan anything.” The story jumps right into the inciting event with the collision of Walcott’s life with Finch. The hook is quickly …show more content…
This type of structure works nicely for this plot. The first act nicely foreshadows the stage for Walcott’s desire to be reclusive and to disappear. Skillfully crafted dialogue is created to foreshadow this: “I’m talking about creating disinformation and eliminating your digital footprint.” This is exactly what Walcott tries to do. The second act is driven by his plan. The stakes and the threat of discovery nicely escalate, as his former girlfriend becomes suspicious and a dogged detective is skeptical. The arrival of Jasmine and her blackmail enhances the dangers. Her death is a pivotal plot beat making for a strong midpoint. Now Walcott has two deaths to cover up. The stakes rise. The second act and third act nicely unravel his world as he’s eventually